Here, There
The new STILLS store opened its doors on the quiet in the delightful Cornelis Schuystraat in south Amsterdam early October 2011. "To get warmed up for the official opening on 20 October", according to Martin Tramper, who teamed up with head designer Korrie Vulkers at the beginning of October 2010 to form the new creative force behind the Dutch women's label Stills. The cooperation with Doepel Strijkers Architects underlines the brand's renewed focus; a combination of clear-cut modernity and dedicated craftsmanship.
A Tranquil Spot in the City
The Stills team looked for and found the perfect location, a sunny corner property with 200 square metres of space set in the quiet residential area of south Amsterdam with its wide diversity of boutiques and catering establishments. According to Martin Tramper: "The whole quarter exudes quality; the domestic caterer, the florist and elegant multi-brand stores. The atmosphere is very friendly. It is precisely the kind of secluded spot we were looking for".
'A tranquil spot in the city' and 'a unique no-compromise environment' was also part of the brief given to Doepel Strijkers Architects. "Stills' refinement comes from the love and intensity with which a wide spectrum of textures and fabrics are selected, worked and finally given shape", explains interior designer Eline Strijkers. "We enlarged the fabric's deeper dimension to a 3D framework based on an open grid of 30 x 30cm squares, which we applied to the space. We then left open spaces, based on our experience with shops and how you feel most at ease as a customer navigating the space and orienting yourself. The result is quite marked and a touch avant-garde – which fits nicely with Stills' design quality and ambition – but the total experience is very serene. The original shell with all its signs of use and the new 3D grid were given the same soft grey tint. Anything you add to this gets maximum focus. "Refined, contemporary and sustainable. A first for the Netherlands: the lighting is 100% LED.
The new STILLS store presents a total image and offers a selection of jewellery and accessories besides the full collection, which includes the more exclusive "vision designs". The Stills design team will regularly visit the store and offer fittings by appointment, even after closing time, so that it can stay in touch with the real Stills woman.
DOEPEL STRIJKERS ARCHITECTS
Architect Duzan Doepel and interior designer Eline Strijkers, who both worked together at MVRDV, a design agency in Rotterdam, set up Doepel Strijkers Architects in 2007. The agency is known for its innovative, sustainable and co-creative approach and won various international awards, for projects such as the interior of SPRMRKT STH and the design of Parksite, a private residence in a former ambulance station. Doepel Strijkers Architects was nominated for the 2011 Dutch Design Awards for designing the HAKA Recycle Office, as well as for the 2011 LAI prize and the 2011 Great Indoors Award, which will all be presented this autumn.
Stills Flagship Store
Cornelis Schuytstraat 16
1071 JH Amsterdam
+31 (0)20 7670473
Opening times:
Monday: 1 pm - 6 pm
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Closed on Sundays